Plainfield Trustees Sworn In

PLAINFIELD, IL—Monday’s meeting of the Plainfield Village Board of Trustees marked the start of something new for three trustees. Kevin Calkins, Harry Benton and Brian Wojowski were sworn in for four-year terms. Each person took turns taking the oath of office as administered by Judge Daniel Rippy, a former trustee for the Village of Plainfield.

Officials adjourned to allow for a reception for the trustees and went on to resume the business of the board, at which point Mayor Michael Collins took time to welcome Calkins and Benton.

“I hope you’re ready for this,” Collins said.

Wojowski, Calkins and Benton were the leading vote getters during the April 2 election.

Also during the meeting, the Plainfield Village Board bid farewell to outgoing Trustee Ed O’Rourke, who has served the community in several different capacities over the last 14 years. Collins presented O’Rourke with a plaque in honor of his service to the community.

“Many people do not know the time these individuals spend representing the village, not just at meetings but looking into the information presented in a committee of the whole or our business meetings,” Collins said. “I want to personally thank Mr. O’Rourke and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

In his remarks, O’Rourke expressed his appreciation for having had the opportunity to work with village staff and fellow trustees.

“A special thanks to the residents of our great village for their support and allowing me to represent their interests for the past four years,” he said. “While I was an elected official, I do not consider myself a politician. I do believe you can represent your residents and perform the duties of this job successfully and not be a so-called politician.”

O’Rourke said he hopes he’s made a lasting impression on the village.

“If there’s one thing that I am hoped I am remembered for during my trustee tenure, that I stayed true to myself in trying to support our residents and do what I believe was always in their best interests,” he said.

Several officials thanked O’Rourke for creating a space for healthy debate between members of the village board.

Officials also took time to recognize outgoing Trustee Bill Lamb during an April 22 Plainfield Committee of the Whole Workshop. Lamb did not attend Monday’s meeting.